African Regulators Seek Spectrum Coordination As Terrestrial, Satellite Networks Converge

By Ayo Susan

African regulators are confronting a more complex spectrum-management environment as satellite constellations, Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, 5G and Wi-Fi increasingly operate within an interconnected communications ecosystem.

The issue featured prominently at the Africa Space Expo in Abidjan, where Côte d’Ivoire’s Radio Frequency Management Agency held its Radiocommunications Forum on joint terrestrial and satellite network deployment and regional frequency coordination.

DECISION HIGHLIGHT

The emerging regulatory challenge is shifting from allocating spectrum to individual technologies towards coordinating multiple networks that increasingly share, complement or compete for the same frequencies.

DECISION MEMO

The convergence of terrestrial and satellite communications changes the traditional logic of spectrum regulation. Mobile operators, satellite companies, Wi-Fi providers and fixed wireless networks can no longer be managed entirely as separate ecosystems when their technologies increasingly interact.

The International Telecommunication Union expects this convergence to contribute to a more integrated terrestrial-space connectivity system by 2030. Direct-to-Device technology illustrates the transition most clearly by enabling ordinary mobile phones to connect with satellites using spectrum associated with terrestrial mobile services.

For African regulators, the opportunity is significant, but so is the coordination burden. Mobile networks must accommodate growing data demand and prepare for 5G and subsequent generations, while satellite connectivity can extend coverage into rural and commercially difficult areas.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) views D2D primarily as complementary to terrestrial networks because satellite capacity generally remains lower. The regulatory challenge is therefore less about replacing mobile infrastructure than determining how terrestrial and satellite systems can coexist without harmful interference.

The same question extends to spectrum bands such as 6 GHz, where jurisdictions have adopted different approaches to balancing Wi-Fi requirements against potential future mobile use.

The implication for Africa is that national spectrum decisions increasingly have regional consequences. Radio frequencies cross borders, making coordination important not only for interference management but also for efficient deployment of new connectivity infrastructure.

The next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 is expected to provide further international clarity on interactions between terrestrial and satellite services. Meanwhile, the Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa, established by the African Union, European Union and International Telecommunication Union, provides an existing framework for supporting harmonised digital regulation.

DATA BOX

• 2030: International Telecommunication Union horizon for greater terrestrial-space network integration.
• 2027: Next World Radiocommunication Conference.
• Key technologies: 5G, D2D, satellite, Wi-Fi and fixed wireless.
• 6 GHz: major area of international spectrum-policy divergence.
• Core regulatory issue: interference-free coexistence and efficient spectrum allocation.
• Regional dimension: radio frequencies do not respect national borders.

WHO WINS / WHO LOSES

Mobile and satellite operators could benefit from clearer rules that enable network complementarity and wider coverage.

Consumers in underserved areas could gain additional connectivity options. Operators face greater regulatory complexity where competing technologies seek access to the same spectrum resources.

POLICY SIGNALS

African spectrum policy is moving towards coordinated, technology-neutral management. Regional harmonisation will become increasingly important as connectivity networks converge.

INVESTOR SIGNAL

Greater regulatory coordination could reduce uncertainty around satellite, mobile and broadband infrastructure investment, particularly in underserved markets. The value proposition will depend heavily on predictable spectrum rules and cross-border compatibility.

RISK RADAR

Fragmented national spectrum policies could increase interference risks, delay deployment and raise infrastructure costs. Divergent approaches to shared bands such as 6 GHz could also make regional network planning more complicated.

Ayo Susan is a journalist, covering business, infrastructure, insurance, technology, society and emerging developments with an emphasis on credible and engaging storytelling.